A Visit To S. Charles Lee's Tamarisk West

Explore a visionary midcentury modern architectural oasis rarely open to the public with  “A Visit To S. Charles Lee’s Tamarisk West.” Guests will tour seven (7) remarkable homes in Tamarisk West, a residential community of 22 homes built in 1964 and designed by noted architect S. Charles Lee. Several homes include impressive arrays of vintage midcentury art and furnishings by Milo Baughman, Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen and many others.

One home on the tour is an Arthur Elrod-designed home with entirely original furniture. In addition to the custom furniture designed by Elrod, there are original iconic midcentury pieces including a Le Courbusier chaise lounge; Knoll patio furniture; and an Arco floor lamp. The home also includes custom built-ins and wallpaper and art selected by the designer. Original draperies and lamps can be found in all bedrooms with original bedcoverings in the yellow bedroom.

In between touring these dream homes spanning 1,960 to 3,600 square feet, guests may explore the accompanying lushly landscaped grounds and pools. Lee paid meticulous attention to every detail during Tamarisk West's planning, development, and construction. He ensured that every home had breathtaking views, while also providing each homeowner privacy. He smartly designed Tamarisk West's duplexes clustered in ovals around two spa-like swimming pools. The homes all open to the pool with sliding doors and terraces, and some open to private patios. The walls of glass and views to the outside help to visually expand to the outdoors.

In addition to his famed building and residential properties, Lee is considered America's preeminent movie theatre designer of the 20th century. His Art Deco and Moderne style period theatres number more than 400 including the Bruin in Westwood and Tower Theatre in Los Angeles. Lee received numerous awards throughout his lifetime, including the Society of Registered Architects' Synergy Award.

$105

Things to Know
Ages 12 and older.
There are seven (7) homes on this tour.
To avoid confusion, and as a courtesy to other tour goers, please arrive at your designated tour start time.
There are some interior/exterior steps.
No smoking, food or beverages permitted.
No animals or pets permitted.
No public restrooms are available.
Parking off site at Willie's Modern Fare; guests will be shuttled to and from Tamarisk West.
The organizer of this event is Tamarisk West Homeowners Association.

Event Check-in Location
Willie's Modern Fare Restaurant
69830 Hwy 111 
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
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Photo Credits: Dave Folks